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Van Life UK
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THE VAN LIFE FIELD GUIDE

Wild Camping

Where you can legally stop overnight in the UK, how the rules differ between Scotland, England and Wales, and how to plan a stop you can defend if someone asks you to move. Read the law guides before the spot guides — the rules, not the scenery, are what decide whether a night works.

69 published guides · 61 of them grouped into 5 subjects below

Start here

UK Wild Camping Laws 2026: Complete Guide to Legal & Responsible Wild Camping in Britain

Wild camping is one of the greatest freedoms of UK van life, but the legal landscape is complex and varies by country.

11 min read →

Browse by subject

Each subject is a group of guides that answer the same decision. Pick the one you are facing, then work through it.

Laws, permission & land access

What is actually allowed, and how to ask.

23 guides in this subject · more in the library below

Overnight parking

Laybys, aires, pub stops and Brit Stops.

10 guides in this subject · more in the library below

Safety & conditions

Weather, closures, tree disease and winter nights out.

3 guides in this subject

Spots & regional guides

Specific places to camp, and what makes them work.

11 guides in this subject · more in the library below

Gear & kit

Cookers, fridges, heaters, lighting and other kit worth carrying.

14 guides in this subject · more in the library below

Looking for something specific? Search all guides or use the planning tools.

All wild camping guides

69 published guides, 61 of them grouped above. The archive includes legacy material; each page explains its editorial status.

Wild Camping

Best Campervan Conversions UK

A campervan conversion is the gateway to true freedom on the road. Whether you’re dreaming of a compact weekend getaway rig or a full‑time mobile home

9 min read

Wild Camping

Best Campervan Festivals UK

For van lifers, festivals aren’t just events – they’re rolling communities where you can park, party, and connect with fellow adventurers.

9 min read

Wild Camping

Cairngorms Winter Parking

The Cairngorms National Park is the UK's best destination for winter van life — if you're prepared for it.

6 min read

Showing 1–24 of 69 guides

Every wild camping guide, A–Z

The complete index — 69 guides in one place.